Saint Gabriel School Weekly Newsletter for Parents
WEEK 25- March 8
Letter from Administration
Dear Parents /Guardians,
Each Catholic school participates in the accreditation process on a five-year cycle, and we had our Internal Quality Assurance visit from the Archdiocese on Monday, March 4.
Accreditation is based on the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools. It is a rigorous process that involves an extensive evaluation of our Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. This evaluation helps ensure that our school is providing a high-quality education that meets the established criteria.
We were so pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback that was expressed by the team from the Archdiocese. They shared that they were impressed by the student engagement and our friendly, polite students. They said the environment felt like a "family", and our SPIRIT initiative was evident throughout the building. By emphasizing our Catholic identity, we not only demonstrate our commitment to faith-based education but also enrich the learning environment for all learners. The committee was impressed by how our Catholic identity, mission, and vision permeates all that we do.
Special thanks to our teachers, parents, and students that participated in interviews with the IQA committee.
The IQA committee will provide a more comprehensive report in approximately six weeks that we will share with stakeholders. This feedback will help inform goals for the school improvement plan.
Sincerely.
Jennifer Schulz
Assistant Principal
Rice Bowl Penny Challenge
Congratulations to this week's winner, 3-Mattmiller!
Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and climate change, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all.
Rice bowls were sent home this week. On Fridays during Lent, students are invited to bring in coins for our Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Penny Challenge. Each homeroom will have a jug in the cafeteria during morning carpool. Individual rice bowls returned the week of March 25 will earn extra points towards the homeroom total. Please label with child's name and homeroom.
Stations of the Cross
The 8th grade students will lead K-8 students in the Stations of the Cross during Lent on Fridays, March 1, 8, and 22. All sessions will begin at 1:45 p.m. in the church.
Celebrate Our Differences Month
March will be our 3rd annual Celebrate Our Differences month. The goal of Celebrate Our Differences month is to build awareness of populations who are different from ourselves and gain an appreciation for each other. Each grade level will hear from a guest speaker. Topics range from disabilities to diversity. For a complete schedule of speakers, click here.
NO SCHOOL-March 15
Please note there is no school on Friday, March 15. This will be a staff professional development day. For students, this means a day off of school but for our teachers, this provides time to learn new skills to implement in their classrooms, collaborate with others, and further develop their expertise.
St Garbiel Archangel Down Syndrome Awareness Day.pdfCrazy Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness
On March 21, students may wear crazy socks for a donation of $1 in honor of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Donations will go to Angels in Disguise, which is a local organization that helps spread awareness and provides support to individuals with down syndrome.
Solar Eclipse Day- Distance Learning
Monday, April 8, 2024 will now be a Distance Learning Day for our students to allow families the opportunity to take advantage of viewing the Total Solar Eclipse! This is also the day after Spring Break, so this will extend that break another day, with students doing their work from home that day.
Teachers will post assignments on Schoology before spring break. Instructional hours for school staff on April 8 will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be available by email if you have questions. In-person instruction will resume on Tuesday, April 9.
More information regarding Distance Learning Days can be found here.
HIGHLIGHTS
PTSO Mother-Son Event
Save the Date! The annual PTSO Mother-Son event will be Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Main Event.
Lexia/ PowerUp
Saint Gabriel is excited to offer a new literacy program for students in K-8. Lexia Core 5 supports students in K-5, and PowerUp supports students in 6-8. Each student has an individual login and will be placed according to his reading level. Students may also access this program at home! Teachers will be sending home login information.
To log in, visit: https://www.lexialearning.com/logins
Summer Camp Sign-Ups
It's time to register for summer camp for students entering K-5 for 2024-25 school year. Students entering grades 6-8 are eligible to apply to be junior counselors. Junior counselor application deadline is March 1. Summer camp start date is June 3.
Please email Christy Holt at cholt@stgabriel.net ASAP to reserve your spot. Please include your child’s first and last name, current grade, and DOB. Placement will be officially announced in March when you have paid the $115 registration fee and signed your Summer Camp Tuition agreement. This will not be electronic but the traditional paper packets that will be sent home.
CLOSINGS/ DELAYED OPENINGS Policy
Since Friday, 1/19/24 was a snow day, distance learning will begin on the next snow day! Click here for more information about distance learning.
When weather conditions cause school openings to be questionable, one of the following announcements will be made for the Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County.
“All Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County are open” – Saint Gabriel is open.
“Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County will be open, but on a delayed schedule.” Saint Gabriel will be on a two-hour delay. Buses will run two hours late. Doors will open at 9:25 a.m. for student arrival. Students are not allowed in before this time. Classes will start at 10:00 a.m. Dismissal will be at regular time – 2:45 p.m.
“All Catholic Schools in Jefferson County are closed.” – Saint Gabriel is closed. In the case that Saint Gabriel is closed, Saint Gabriel Preschool will make every effort to offer full-day care for registered participants. Notification will be sent separately.
All morning activities, including detention, are cancelled for that day. Detention will be served the following scheduled day. You will also be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign up for Reach Alert and to make any changes to their account.
We will have 1 regular snow day before Distance Learning days start. You will be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program.
NEW: Updates on campus closures and delays can be found here: www.gabrielweather.com
Bingo Volunteers
Bingo is one of our largest fundraisers. Funds are used to offer tuition assistance and capital projects. A schedule for this year has been created to assist with staffing volunteers. Please sign up using NEW LINK: Sign Up Genius
Mar. 13, 14- KCS
Mar. 20, 21- KHA
Mar. 27, 28- KRY
Are you planning to volunteer or attend a school event this year?
Field Trip chaperones and special event volunteers need to have a background check on file and have attended the Safe Environment Training. For more information, visit https://www.stgabriel.net/background. Not sure if we have your information? Contact background@stgabriel.net. To view upcoming Honor Thy Child trainings, visit https://www.archlou.org/about-the-archdiocese/archdiocesan-policies-guidelines-and-handbooks/restoringtrust/safe/. Background checks and safe environment training refresher must be completed every five years.
Save the Dates
March 15- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (Staff Professional Development Day)
April 8- Distance Learning Day- Solar Eclipse Day
April 11- Grandparents Day (8th)
April 13- Confirmation
May 14- 8th Grade Graduation
May 2- Derby Days
May 21- Field Day
From the Parish
Stewardship Renewal
Thank you to all parishioners who have completed and submitted your Transformed in Faith Commitment Card. We invite all faithful parishioners to complete a card as our parish goal is 100% participation! You may return your card by:
• mailing it using the pre-addressed envelope
• or bringing it to Mass next Sunday.
• or you may visit our parish website at www.stgabriel.net/giving
All cards need to be returned to the parish by Sunday, March 31. School parents who have registered as a parish member, completed a stewardship commitment card, and donated to our parish over the last year, do qualify for the Member school tuition rate. If a family has not meet one or all of these criteria, the family will qualify for NON-MEMBER school tuition rate.
Annual Spring Landscape Clean Up – Volunteers Needed
Saturday, March 16
9 am to Noon
Help us spruce up the landscaping on our campus this spring, just in time for Easter. We will pull weeds, pick up trash and spread mulch throughout the campus. Many hands make light work. Bring a shovel and/or wheelbarrow and some gloves. Look for our crew on the Hudson Lane side upon arrival to campus. Contact maintenance@stgabriel.net f you need more details.
Trivia Night
Let the games begin. Register your Trivia Team today. First come, first serve. Up to forty tables will be sold. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16th.
From the Community
Synod-Interim-Phase-Lent-2024-Bulletins.docxArchdiocese of Louisville Synod
The “Interim Stage” for the Synod on Synodality is the period between Synod of Bishops’ meetings in October 2023 and October 2024. All are invited to participate in consultation that will contribute to preparation for the October 2024 Assembly in Rome. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has recommended that dioceses conduct two to three listening sessions during Lent.
Upcoming Listening Session Dates: March 7, March 13
Click link for more information.
